Best Places To Watch The Sun Rise

Maite Mugica

Sleep to dream of an incredible holiday getaway and wake up to an epic sunrise in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

The Dawn is magical. Nature’s colors mesmerize in brilliant radiance and nostalgia fills the air. The landscapes evoke a sense of mysticism and are particularly beautiful when bathed in the day’s first light. Experiencing a sunrise amidst nature is a unique opportunity to admire the wonders of the environment and it also brings a sense of calm and peace. Start the journey into wonderful vistas and incredible sights and explore our list of thebest places to watch a sunrise.

The Svalbard Islands, Norway

Imagine a place where the dawn is an eternal sight and you´d practically have to travel to the end of the world to witness the miracle of its beauty. This extreme destination exists as the Svalbard Islands. Situated between continental Norway and the North Pole, it is the northern most populated place in the world. The island´s midnight sun is a unique spectacle and definitely worth the trip.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The temple of Angkor Wat has been recognized as the seventh wonder of the world, and is arguably, one of the most striking landscapes in which to admire a sunrise. The temple´s magnificent architecture is an ideal background. As the sun’s rays wash over the temple, shimmers of light reveal the temple´s profile in wondrous shades of yellow and red. The temple is truly beautiful at this time in particular and is a very popular sight among tourists with many scheduled guided tours visiting during this time. For visitors in search of a more intimate experience, we recommend exploring the ruins or visiting a lesser-known temple.

Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Mystery and beauty surround tourists visiting Stonehenge. This Neolithic site is located in the United Kingdom and is one of the best known prehistoric monuments in Europe. The rising of the sun amidst its mystical structure is perceived to be a rare and special experience for all who visit. Here, the rising of the sun, especially during the summer solstice, is also an occasion that attracts many visitors, from neo-pagan followers to druids and tourists. The dawn hour at this megalith can also become a cathartic moment, where in a rare instance, the energy of histories past fill the air while awakening a new day.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Bathed in burnt orange and vivid yellow hues, the Great Pyramid of Giza at dawn is a sight to see. This seventh wonder of the ancient world is largely still intact and is located in the Giza Necropolis and borders El Giza, Egypt. The flat dessert landscape decorated by the remarkable pyramid structure along with the occasional camels on the terrain, lend visitors a sensation of traveling back to ancient times. It is this rich sense of history and wonder along, with the magnificent morning light that make a sunrise here such a rich and unforgettable moment.

Bryce Canyon, Arizona

Rolling tumble weeds, mountain terrain and the great outdoors: Welcome to Bryce Canyon in Arizona. This destination evokes splendid imagery of the Wild West and also boasts a magical view of the rising sun atop of the popular Sunrise Point. From here, visitors can see the rocks gradually change color and light up the canyon, while feeling like they are on top of the world .

Varanasi, India

Often referred to as the holy city of India, Varanasi’s sacred landscape is even more impressive at sunrise. With majestic stone stairs that lead to the banks of the Ganges River, devout Hindus gather to bathe in its sacred waters seeking purification from their sins. The dawn from this particular vantage point is quite memorable and made even more surreal by the slight mist that fills the air.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Visitors experiencing the Masai National Reserve will be in awe of the beauty of nature and its vast landscape. The game reserve, located in Kenya, is only a fraction of the greater Mara environment. The dawn offers an opportune time to see lions, zebra and other wild animals amidst their natural habitat as they roam in packs in search of food. Tourists are encouraged to take part in a morning safari for a spectacular view.

Ayers Rock

The Sacred Rock of the Australian aborigines seems to literally catch fire in the early morning. The environment’s natural composition of minerals, dust and water reflect the red sandstone that makes up the rock, creating striking optical effects with the sun’s rays. Visitors can experience optimal views of the sun rise at Uluru and Kata Tjuta on designated platforms.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Second in size only to that of Niger, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most beautiful places in the world to witness the sunrise. Visitors can enjoy a morning safari and take in the horizon, where the magnificent landscape is reflected on the water by the rays of the sun. This is one spectacle you’ll want to have your camera ready for.

Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

This region in Tuscany is encompassed in hypnotic beauty, where hills of cypress trees and rich greens are joined by the cobblestone streets of picturesque towns, creating an ideal and typical Tuscan landscape. Gentle mist glides over Val d’Orcia and its hills in the early morning, beckoning a new day with an almost poetic sun rise. This is a sunrise not to be missed.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Tourists looking to admire a sun rise surrounded by a spectacular volcanic landscape are in for a treat at Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java,Indonesia. Spectacular golden hues are seeing atop the crater and for those willing to experience a memorable display of an illuminating glow of pastel pinks, the sunset is also a site to behold.

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